NAIROBI, Oct. 12 -- Kenya will use its friendly match against Mozambique in Nairobi on Sunday to test out players with limited game time ahead of their start of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Francis Kimanzi, Harambee Stars head coach, said the match is important for the team ahead of their AFCON qualifiers.
"I have had good training sessions with the players in Nairobi. The focus was specifically on the big number of players we wanted to see and prepare them for the match. We made a decision to call players, more so those we don't see in action every day, and give them an opportunity so that we can clear any doubts," Kimanzi said on Friday.
The Mozambique team arrives in Nairobi on Friday and expects a tough encounter.
Kenya forfeited an earlier match against Libya in Tripoli over logistic challenges and coach Kimanzi wants to make maximum use of the game against Mozambique to try out several formations. "The team is strong and we want to give this competition our best. Kenya can make it two in a row for the appearance at the AFCON and Cameroon 2021 is a reality," said Kimanzi.
This will be coach Kimanzi's second match in charge since taking over from Frenchman Sebastian Migne.
Kimanzi's first match was against neighbors Uganda, where Kenya was forced to a 1-1 draw in Nairobi. However, in their last four meetings with Mozambique, Kenya has won twice, had one draw and lost once.
Kenya is in Group G of the qualifiers alongside Egypt, Togo, and Comoros. Stars will play Egypt on November 11 before meeting Togo on November 19. The other matches are scheduled between August and November 2020.